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2010 BSB rules - the debate starts here

It’s the time of the year when people start talking bout the following year’s prospects. The MotoGP and WSB silly season is in full flow, BSB’s traditionally starts a little later.

But while there’s not much talk about riders movements in the BSB paddock – apart from Camier saying he wants to go to WSB, and rumours surrounding the future of both Airwaves Yamaha (may sit out 2010, may go to WSB, may stay in BSB, honouring their –two-yeasr Yamaha deal) and HM Plant Honda (may quit BSB, may run just superstock and supersport bikes instead of BSB, may go to WSB, may stay in BSB!) - there’s not too much serious gossip-mongering going on.

There is however a big debate on the future of the BSB technical regulations. BSB ran FIM regs in 2007, went to a more restrictive supersport-tune engine format last year and is now back to FIM spec again.

The talk is now about how to cut costs. MSVR, the people who run BSB have been in consultation with the TLG (Team’s Liaison Group) and MLG (Manufacturer’s Liaison Group) – both groups set up in 2008 to promote open discussion with MSVR BSB Race Director Stuart Higgs said: “We are clearly in a difficult (financial) climate and realise that any change brings extra costs and a lack of stability so we’ve asked them to submit their opinions on the rules.

“The aim is to maintain stability whilst looking at ways to manage costs. There is a groundswell of opinion that the teams want to stay with the current technical regulations. There is a pool of valid equipment but we need to work on the most efficient way to make it (the series) work in future.”

Higgs doesn’t want to discuss specific rule changes at this stage but it seems likely the current technical regulations governing machinery will remain. However, up for discussion, could be:* One bike per rider* Reducing meetings from three to two days* Reducing the number of championship rounds* Limiting testing to one BSB-organised pre-season test* Restrictions on electronics* Further tyre restrictions

It’s likely that any changes will be announced by then end of next month.In the meantime, keep checking back for the team bosses views on realistic cost-cutting options.